As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation between the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) and its strategic partners, a delegation of more than 22 member companies visited the new headquarters of Senghor University in Borg El Arab. This visit is part of the “Enhance Program for Private Sector Partnerships in Africa,” which aims to support economic integration among African nations and strengthen partnerships between the private sector and academic institutions.
The visit coincided with the official launch of the “African Access” program across the continent, initiated by the association in collaboration with Senghor University. This program aims to connect institutions with African postgraduate students, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of regional markets and stay updated on the latest industry trends, thereby opening new avenues for collaboration between academia and industry.
The visit included an introductory tour of the university’s new facilities and a detailed presentation on Senghor University’s role in supporting sustainable development in Africa by preparing specialized professionals who meet the needs of the labor market. Additionally, extensive discussions were held on cooperation mechanisms between the association’s member companies and the university’s students to develop innovative solutions that address the growing demands of the African market.
Dr. Yousrey El-Sharkawi, EABA Chairman, stated that this visit aligns with the association’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the private sector and academic institutions in Africa. This, in turn, opens new horizons for joint investments and knowledge exchange. He emphasized that the partnership with Senghor University is a strategic step in supporting young African talents and preparing them for the job market, in line with the continent’s sustainable development goals.
El-Sharkawi also expressed his great pleasure in visiting the new Senghor University campus in Borg El Arab, which spans 47,000 square meters and houses more than 14 state-of-the-art academic buildings designed to accommodate 400 students annually. He highlighted that Egypt, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting African affairs.
Furthermore, El-Sharkawi stressed the importance of linking academia with the private sector to ensure the development of innovative solutions that meet regional market demands and drive economic growth. He explained that the collaboration with Senghor University reflects the association’s vision of establishing sustainable partnerships aimed at enhancing the capabilities of African entrepreneurs and preparing a new generation of professionals capable of leading economic ventures across the continent. He added that the association remains dedicated to building bridges between Egyptian and African business communities, believing in the necessity of economic integration among African nations.
He pointed out that the “African Access” program, launched in collaboration with Senghor University, serves as a practical model for strengthening ties between industrial institutions and the academic sector, contributing to the creation of sustainable investment opportunities and the development of a skilled workforce to meet the needs of African labor markets.
This initiative is the result of previous efforts and collaborations between the Egyptian African Businessmen Association and Senghor University, forming an extension of a strategic partnership spanning several years, reinforced by a series of joint events and meetings. On April 6, 2022, a virtual meeting was held between the association’s president and the university’s president to discuss future cooperation prospects. This was followed by a delegation visit to the university on April 20, 2022, where they were received by the university’s board chairman, the former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with the Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of Francophone Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the university’s executive director.
During this visit, an extensive meeting was held with African students, fostering cultural and academic exchange between both sides. On June 13, 2022, Afreximbank in Cairo hosted a meeting that brought together representatives from the bank, the university, and the association to explore academic, financial, and investment collaboration opportunities. Additionally, on June 30, 2022, an association delegation attended the graduation ceremony of a new cohort of African diplomats at Senghor University, where a cooperation protocol was signed between the association and the university. The event was attended by prominent figures in education, diplomacy, and economics, alongside several African ambassadors, further strengthening cooperation and integration between both parties.
The association affirmed that these initiatives are part of its strategy to enhance partnerships between the Egyptian private sector and African nations, support entrepreneurship, and invest in young minds to achieve sustainable economic growth across the continent.
